Buy versus build is a discussion that comes up a lot in the IT and management field, especially if you are a consulting firm like Allegro. The problem with "buy" is that it is never that easy. The question should really be "integrate versus invent" as no matter how cookie cutter your new IT application, it will have to be connected with the rest of your IT infrastructure to truly be of any value to your business.

This article from InformationWeek looks at the hidden impact in losing technical expertise for companies that too blindly pursue an "always buy" mentality. While you do not want to painfully build everything yourself, you will need that expertise to skillfully integrate any bought IT system with the rest of your business infrastructure and then extend it to reflect and enhance the unique benefits that your company offers over your competitors.

This is why we at Allegro have turned to open source applications such as the world leading Magento eCommerce platform. Your "buy" choice can start with a baseline Magento installation that has all the core eCommerce functionality necessary. Supplement that with the "build" addition of targeted modules and custom enhancements and integration, whether from your internal staff or quality consulting firms such as Allegro. This type of strong integration and customization is where companies really stand out.

As part of their process in overhauling much of the user interface for version 7 of SugarCRM, the home page's dashlets were one obvious target for upgrade. Take a look at this video where Allegro shows you a pre-beta impression of the new look and feel.

Allegro celebrated 20 years of business in June of 2013. It has been a long journey with many changes along the way. One of the latest changes is turning our attention to our own "house" and building a new website, complete with blogs such as this.

Allegro has been a partner with SugarCRM almost since their first released version. As we have grown together, we have gained great expertise in helping our clients succeed with this world-class customer relations management solution.

I hope you read along as we share thoughts, best practices, tips and tricks we have learned over the years.

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